'nother drug,no one to give it to me

Anyone know anything about Clonazepam?  Following sleep study neuro's want me to start it so I can get some quality sleep.  They know the lorry load of other stuff I'm taking. Hospital pharmacy prescription filled wrong so hope they can dispense it, but is it a good'un?

Sleep study showed I barely sleep, waking constantly for extended times - had no idea I was doing this.  Hardly ever went into deep sleep, and then woke in pain.  Daytime sleepiness is excessive, and I fell  asleep within  five minutes every time I was asked to.  

Good news is it is not sleep apnea, not narcolepsy, and not epilepsy.  Just cronic (chronic) sleep deprivation.  You'd think with all my medications I'd be out like a light, but no such luck.  they recommended this drug as it is slow acting and will keep me knocked out all night.  But is another 'junkie' drug to add to the list.  Shouldavebeenapopstar...

Sleepy now!  But that's just it, always sleepy, never any quality sleep.  

Anyone else on this med?

[Lulu54]

Nope! not on this one.  Did they give you any or are you still waiting to get the rx filled?  I'm familiar with the name but that's it...

L

[goofysmom1]

Hi Wish,

My 1st neuro gave me clonazepam (klonopin) to treat the vertigo I was having at night.  It worked in the way that it totally knocked me out!!!  So I slept like a rock, but was groggy in the morning.  I was directed to take it at dinner, but could not because it knocked me out within an hour of taking it - and I have acid reflux, so I have to wait 2 to 3 hours before going to bed after eating.

Only took it for 5 days, because of the grogginess - so not sure how it works long term.

Hope you can get a good nights sleep!

Be well,
Chrisy

[rendean]

I take clonazepam (Klonopin) for muscle cramps. Baclofen didn't work so I was switched to this. It's in the benzodiazepine class of drugs and therefore has addictive properties. It is used for seizures, long-term anxiety and sleep disorders. It happens to be a favorite of my local neuro. It has a long half-life and therefore has anti-anxiety properties that cover you the next day. It made me sleepy initially but now does not have that effect but does wonders for the muscle spasms. I 'm assuming the added benefit of anti-anxiety has an effect that I would not realize if unless I was taken off of it.

Just keep in mind the drug class and the addictive qualities as only you know what your history and tolerance for this type of drug would be.

Good Luck! Remember to ask questions!!!! A good pharmacist is an excellent source of information and advice if you need more clarification!!!!!!

Ren

[essdipity]

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine that I am all l too familiar with. I'd never take that or any other benzo-- Valium, Xanax, etc. The likelihood of depedency is high even after only a few weeks of use. I suggest you see what Professor Heather Ashton (UK) has to say about these drugs. There's a great deal of info on the web, especially at benzo.org/uk.

The benzos are antiseizure drugs that proved useful in ameliorating anxiety. If the problem is sleep deprivation, Ambien or Lunesta would be more appropriate. Tolerance to these is possible as well, but getting off them is a breeze in comparison to benzos in many patients.

Lots of people here take benzos as tranquillizers, for restless leg syndrome, and for other conditions, and I don't recall any difficulties with them mentioned. Nevertheless if you've had problems with drugs and getting off them, beware.

ess

[PastorDan]

My experience with clonazepam was similar to that of goofysmom1 noted above.  Too much residual grogginess; little noticeable benefit.  Actually, I'm not sure what it was prescribed for now that I think abouot it.  One of the succession of neuros switched me to amitriptyline, but without recalling why I'm taking it, I'm not going to try to say if it's helping.  It doesn't seem to linger the morning after the way clonazepam did.  I was directed to take each of these at bedtime, but I have little trouble sleeping since CPAP became my bed partner.

[kmil1999]

I have Narcolepsy, and thus my sleep was horrible at night too.  Clonazepam usually gives you a bad hangover.  I am pretty sensative to drugs, so amitriptyline also gave me a hangover.  Another alternative that really works for those with chronic sleep issues without the additive quality or hang over would be trazodone.  It is an antidepressant but helps you sleep through the night without the dreaded hangover.  It worked well for me and I know of a few others that it works for.  Just another thought to add to your bucket!  Sleep well   ~K

[Wobbly]

Hi there... I take clonazapam in the evening about 8 ish... to help me wind down and fall asleep.  Some times it doesn't work, but mostly it does... I do find it addictive though.  I have tried not to take them 2 pills .5mg .. there not strong...but my body know if I don't take them.  I've been on them for a few years now.  

they do help me sleep and relax in the evening.  I think you should get more info on it from a professional if your concerned about the addictive part...OK

take care
wobbly
undx

[Heather3418]

I take Klonopin for Restless Leg Syndrome, which is my case, is severe.  I have it in my legs, as well as my arms.  It's an awful condition.

I heard about Klonopin's addictive qualities, so decided to wean off of it.  Had no problem, but my RLS increased by so much that I begged to be put back on it.  Unless you have ever suffered from RLS, one could never know how it interferres with your sleep.  It's so bad for me and only Klonopin helps somehwat.  

I've tried all the drugs for Parkinson's disease, with no help.  Short of being totally knocked out, it still has it spells, drugs or not.

If you go off of Klonopin, it has to be done very slowly, so you suffer from no adverse side effects.  It does build up in your system quickly and isn't out of your body quickly, like Xanax.  It's not a fun drug to take, but I will do anything to not jerk all night awake.

Heather

[PastorDan]

So sorry to hear of these problems you're having, Heather.  I will give thanks that OSA is my only known sleep disorder, at least this week!  I will also pray that you find relief.

[meg321]

The hospital gave me a script for Trazodone when i was there getting off of methodone, I have to be careful what I take...I don't want to withdraw again soon from anything.  The trazodone works well for me.  I have a sleep study coming up too.

Hope you find an answer, i hate not sleeping ..

hugs, meg